The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) recently held a two-day consultative workshop focused on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), environmental accounts, and gender statistics. This event took place from January 23 to 24, 2025, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Co-organized by the Government of Madhya Pradesh and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India, the workshop aimed to enhance capacity building in these critical areas.
The workshop attracted significant participation from various national, sub-national, and international agencies. On the first day, around 200 participants attended, including representatives from line ministries, state and union territory departments, and international organizations. The event highlighted the importance of data generation and its role in evidence-based decision-making for sustainable development.
Importance of Data in Sustainable Development
The inaugural session featured notable speakers, including the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Jagdish Devda. He emphasized the need for timely and granular data to support evidence-based decision-making. Devda reiterated Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to achieving SDG goals and its ongoing progress toward state development.
Focus on Sustainable Development Goals
The first day of the workshop was dedicated to discussions surrounding SDGs. Various stakeholder ministries provided insights into aligning Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives with SDGs. This alignment is crucial for ensuring that corporate efforts contribute to broader societal goals.
As the workshop progressed into its second day, discussions shifted to critical topics such as environmental sustainability and gender statistics. The Ministry aims to infuse the essence of sustainability into its initiatives, aligning with the guiding principle of “Leaving No One Behind.” This principle is central to the SDGs and emphasizes inclusivity in development efforts.
The Ministry encourages active participation from all stakeholders in the ongoing discussions. The central theme that emerged during the first day was the recognition of sustainability as a key dimension in policy-making. The National Statistical Office (NSO) of India looks forward to continued support and collaboration from national and international agencies to achieve these ambitious goals.